Greetings Friends and Neighbors of the Echo Lake Inn,
Thanksgiving Dinner is available for a whole weekend at Echo Lake Inn. If you would like to enjoy a wonderful traditional Thanksgiving Dinner in a casually elegant environment, come join us at the Echo Lake Inn where our culinary staff has created a fantastic experience for you. We have a limited number of tables available on Thanksgiving Day, and our Thanksgiving menu will be available on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday as well. Give us a call at the number below, and we will be happy to reserve your table. Hope to see you soon at the Echo Lake Inn.
The Inn at Water’s Edge is opening during the first three weekends in December for dinners!
On the nights of December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16th, The Inn at Water’s Edge will be offering two different dinner experiences on Friday and Saturday nights with only 16 spots available per night.
On Friday we’ll host a two-hour Seasonal Smorgasbord in our Pub and Gathering room. The fun begins at 6:30 PM with goodies galore. The meal ends at 8:30 PM and last call at the bar is 9:00 PM. Cost per person is $45.00 plus drinks as purchased.
Saturday’s fare will be a more formal affair as our chef prepares a multi-course Prix Fixe Dinner which will be served in the dining rooms of the Inn. Mitch will send out a menu one week prior to the event so that each guest can choose from two possible entrees. The evening will begin with drinks at 6:30 PM. Dinner starts at 7:00 PM. Last call for drinks is 9:00 PM. Cost per person is $75.00 plus drinks as purchased.
Please email your name, email address, number of people in your party, date of choice and any food allergies to: innkeeper@innatwatersedge.com to reserve a spot. Don’t delay, remember, it’s first come/first served.
If you are one of the first 16 guests to respond (for each date), you will be sent an invoice for the cost of your meal(s) to secure your reservation. Hope to see you soon!
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
11/13/23
A crisp morning, but lovely to have the sun shining so brightly. I had arranged to have my tires changed over on 11/9, so I was a bit concerned about driving to WRJ that morning due to the inclement weather prediction. A friend in Norwich very kindly hosted me the night before, so I was in close proximity to Subaru. Wonderful to have friends and options!
Killington is open and making snow in preparation of the Stifel Killington Cup kicking off on 11/24 with a fireworks display. The races take place on Saturday and Sunday. Friends who skied there the first weekend said it was amazingly good. I see some white on the top of Okemo and I imagine they are busy preparing for the season, but no opening date has been given. It certainly is cold enough to make snow, though.
It was a busy weekend at Bethany Birches Camp and there was a sizable crew of volunteers for the workday on Sat, 11/11. It was nice to see so many folks at BBC to honor Gwen Groff on 11/12. I was especially glad to see Lillian Buchangroff who is currently living in Scotland and whose birthday was 11/6. Other November birthdays include Willow Bascom (11/2), Karen Evans (11/7), Julia Baldwin (11/20), and Joan Day (11/30). Sorry I am late with the info, but congratulations to one and all!
The Select Board meeting on 11/6 attracted more residents than usual to hear the presentation by Marie Caduto. It was an interesting talk and there are extensive notes on the Town website. It was apparent that there is no easy fix for the Money Brook problem, but it is good to understand the situation a bit better. The Dog ordinance was approved and is on the website, but I have noted it below, also.
Now Accepting Applications for the Coolidge Scholarship
Spread the word to high school juniors in your life:
The application is now open for the Coolidge Scholarship…
…a four-year college scholarship.
Calvin Coolidge and his values receive little attention in schools these days.
But the Coolidge Scholarship attracts thousands of top high school juniors from across the country.
In preparing their applications, students read Coolidge’s Autobiography, study his presidency, and write several essays on Coolidge topics and themes. It’s a deep dive into Coolidge that they won’t get through their coursework.
The Coolidge Scholarship is unique, providing:
Full coverage of tuition, room, board, and course books for four years of undergraduate study at any college in America
Annual trips to Plymouth Notch to learn about the life and legacy of President Coolidge
Membership in a vibrant community of high school and college students
Please pass on the message. And don’t wait! The application is due by January 18, 2024.
These days, high school debate has become a perverse exercise in one-sidedness.
Just as troubling, most high school debaters don’t get to hear from real-world policy minds as they prepare.
Coolidge Debate is different. Debaters learn both sides of an issue. And they hear from the best minds on a topic. Personally.
Typical was the Coolidge Debate League’s recent North Carolina tournament on climate policy.
First, the 98 students watched Dr. Steven Koonin, author of Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn’t, and Why It Matters, debate Dr. Roger Pielke Jr. of the University of Colorado. This contest was the result of a partnership with the Steamboat Institute and the Luddy Schools.
Stephen Einhorn, author of Climate Change: What They Rarely Teach in College, also briefed our students. Armed with this knowledge, our high schoolers then battled it out in multiple rounds at Thales Academy Apex.
The Mont Pelerin Society, an international organization that promotes human liberty, made a special trip to Plymouth Notch last week. Leading economists and scholars ventured down from Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, where the society held its regional meeting. Guests included Wendy Gramm, Cynthia Bader, Daniel Peters, and Robert and Rebekah Alt, who toured the Notch with Coolidge Foundation president Matthew Denhart. Thank you to Ryan Yonk and Bradley Bishop for organizing the visit and to Kathy Jacob and Paula Ferro for leading tours.
Last Wednesday, Coolidge Foundation chair Amity Shlaes spoke on the New Deal and the Great Depression at the American Economic Forum in Washington, D.C. At the conference, hosted by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, students received copies of New Deal Rebels, a new anthology of New Deal critics edited by Amity and published by the American Institute for Economic Research.
Did you know that Calvin Coolidge was ahead of his time on civil rights? Or that he read Dante in the original Italian? Or that the Prohibition-era president used…cocaine? Hear the full stories on The Coolidge Way, a limited series podcast produced by the Coolidge Foundation and hosted by Governor Jim Douglas. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCnKVD3HLQZZsggm1y9dc4UWvRPBIysic
Coolidge Foundation trustee Steve Forbes recently traveled to Birmingham and spoke to the local Kiwanis Club chapter about the economic viability of electric vehicles. You can read more about his thoughts in the Birmingham Business Journal. Fellow Foundation trustee and Kiwanis Club member Jenny McCain helped host the talk. https://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2023/10/25/forbes-weighs-in-on-evs-in-alabama.html
The documentary Coolidge: Rediscovering an American President made it to Princeton last week. The university’s James Madison Program hosted the sold-out screening, which featured a discussion between Allen Guelzo and Foundation trustee Steve Forbes. Thank you to Jonathan Garaffa for helping to organize the program.
Upcoming Events
Holiday Open House at the Notch
The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, will reopen for one more day this year. Join us on Saturday, December 2, for the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation’s holiday open house. This free and family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
And don’t miss these other upcoming events:
December 5: Coolidge Winter Gala in New York City
December 9: Coolidge Cup Qualifying Tournament in New Haven, Connecticut
January 18: Coolidge Scholarship application deadline
Silent Cal Speaks
“The attempt to regulate, control, and prescribe all manner of conduct and social relations is very old. It was always the practice of primitive peoples. Such governments assumed jurisdiction over the action, property, life, and even religious convictions of their citizens down to the minutest detail. A large part of the history of free institutions is the history of the people struggling to emancipate themselves from all this bondage.”
—Calvin Coolidge, “The Limitations of the Law”
Copyright (C) 2023 Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation. All rights reserved.
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
11/5/23
Here we are in the month of November and I am quite surprised that even with the frost and recent snow, I still have some pincushion flowers blooming. Daffodils have been planted and almost all of my lawn furniture has been put away. My neighborhood is living up to the “stick season” designation, but there are still leaves on trees in some areas.
There should be interesting discussion at the 11/6 Select Board Meeting about Money Brook. The lakes have definitely been muddied again by the recent rain. You can join via Zoom as noted on the Town website.
There are still important events taking place this time of year. Don’t forget the luscious turkey dinner at the Bridgewater Grange on Saturday, 11/11. The cost this year is $16. You may order dinners-to-go by calling 802-672-6223 by 5 PM on Friday and leaving a message. Pickup will be at 4:30 PM on Saturday. Doors will open at 5:30 if you plan to attend the dinner. Most folks agree this has always been one of the best dinners around!
On Sunday, 11/12, all are welcome to attend the celebration for Gwen Groff that will be held at Bethany Birches Camp from 2 – 4 PM. Not only has Gwen been a wonderful pastor at Bethany Mennonite Church, but she has also served the surrounding communities.
There was quite a turnout at the 11/4 graveside service for longtime Plymouth resident, Bob Lynds. Condolences to Kathy and the rest of the family. The closing song, “This Ole House” seemed like a fitting tribute and send-off.
Please join us Saturday November 11th for the annual fall work day at BBC. Work is much more fun when friends and food are included – 2 things we specialize in! The first of 7 Winter Intern Events will also be held alongside work day on Nov 11.
Join us for an intergenerational day of work, friends, food and fun! See below for details.
Work Day Details 9:30 – 3:30
Join us at 9:30 for the morning meeting and work assignments. Lunch at 12:30
Projects for all ages including: Wood stacking Ice rink setup Ski trail maintenance Cabinet installation Misc Tasks related to winter Prep
Winter Intern Details 9:30-5 8th -11th Grade (past BBC LITs, CITs, Summit High Campers) Expect a mix of work and play Ice Rink Set Up Woodstacking Kitchen help Lunch and Afternoon Snack Provided Games and Bible Study Leadership by BBC Staff RSVP Required to camp@bethanybirches.org
Let us know if you can join us (email to camp@bethanybirches.org, include number of people roughly) and we’ll plan accordingly for lunch and work projects. If you can’t join us for work day be sure to check out the winter camp page and plan to join for winter fun!
And despite the gently falling snow at camp today, summer 2024 dates are coming soon!
On Monday November 6th Marie Caduto, our Regional Watershed Planner with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Watershed Investment Divsion, will be present to discuss the current conditions with the mass slope failure happening on Money Brook and how this is impacting water quality in Lake Amherst and Echo Lake.
Informational resources are posted on the Town website, on the left side under Town Announcements.
OHF’s Good Neighbor Grants program has been a key part of the OHF’s work to support community members in need. This edition of our newsletter defines the grant application process, showing how it’s based on a strong partnership between the applicant, the provider and the OHF.
For nearly three decades, the Ottauquechee Health Foundation has been at the forefront of helping local residents in need get crucial health care services. A big part of that is OHF’s Good Neighbor Grants program, which has a specific process behind it. And throughout the way – from submitting the application to final approval – the OHF is there to assist the applicant with the required steps.
When the OHF receives a grant application, there are several important criteria to be met, in order for the application to proceed. OHF must confirm that:
The applicant resides in one of the nine towns the Foundation serves: Barnard, Bridgewater, Hartland, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Quechee, Reading, and Woodstock. The request is not for treatment they’ve already received. The applicant fits within OHF’s income guidelines for the grants (see further details below). The request is for services that are within OHF’s guidelines for health and wellness. The categories of need include: Aging in place Dental Hearing In-home/Respite care Transportation Wellness Medical Vision Mental Health
OHF is glad to take applications for any service that someone’s insurance doesn’t cover, or where it’s tough for the individual to make the required co-pay. “We’re there to meet that gap,” said Beth Robinson, OHF’s grants coordinator. OHF can also address related needs, such as purchasing gas cards so the applicant can get to their medical appointments.
Regarding the income guidelines, OHF works within the federal poverty guidelines and provides grants to individuals under 300% poverty, in accordance with the federal guidance. Robinson explained that an individual at 100% poverty is making $14,580 per year, and, for these grants, OHF approves applicants with incomes of up to 300% poverty. Grant amounts vary based on this.
“Someone closer to, or under, that 100% poverty guideline is going to get a much larger grant than someone closer to 300%,” she said. Applicants must also provide a copy of the past year’s tax return or the equivalent to show total household size and income from the previous year.
On the provider side, the health care providers participating will often discount their services. At the same time, the applicant is expected to make an effort in that direction also. These discounts range from 5-25%.
“We always ask the applicant to contribute something,” she said. “The providers who are discounting services like to see that participation, and it makes the applicant feel like they’re pulling their weight, they’re contributing.”
When all the information is in order, then the amount comes into play. Any grant request of $750 or less, Executive Director Hali Robinson is able to sign off on that application; any request over $750 (up to a maximum of $5,000) goes to OHF’s grants committee, which is made up of several OHF Board members.
All grant application information is completely confidential, Robinson emphasized. Once an application is approved, Robinson puts together a letter of agreement and sends it to the provider, which includes the application’s contribution and the total grant. Once the provider signs off on it the applicant can make an appointment. She added, “Providers allow our applications to make payments at no interest, which I think is really wonderful.”
Over the years, Robinson said, the grants program has been a great support for all involved. The providers allow the OHF to pay them after services have been rendered. After treatment is provided the applicant pays their portion and a bill is sent to OHF for the remainder.
“The applicants appreciate being treated so kindly and fairly, and they make their payments as promised to the providers,” she said. “The providers find that people go to their appointments and follow through with what’s been given to them, and it’s a lovely partnership.”
New Board Member: Meet Alan Fine
Alan Fine, a member of the OHF Real Estate Committee since 2021, brings a passion for OHF and its goals. He is proud to be part of an organization that supports people of limited financial means who need access to health programs and equipment.
Alan has nearly 40 years of experience as a Real Estate attorney, during which he worked for several Title Insurance companies. In addition to his work as a title counsel, he maintained a small private practice, specializing in Real Estate and Wills, Trusts & Estates.
Before his career in real estate law, Alan majored in Chemistry and Biology at Cornell University and went on to work as a bench chemist for several years. He decided to change career paths and matriculated at Pace University School of Law, where he attained a JD degree. He retired in 2019, and is now a consultant to several Real Estate attorneys who he worked with during his tenure as title counsel.
Apart from his work for OHF, Alan is also Chairman of the Woodstock Pickleball Committee, which oversees the operation of pickleball at Vail Field and the Woodstock Elementary School. He is also a member of the Woodstock Rotary Club.
Originally from Bronx, NY, Alan resides in Woodstock Village with his wife, Susan.
Executive Director’s Report
Taste of Woodstock: OHF participated in Taste of Woodstock on August, 12th. We had the opportunity to chat with a lot of people to let them know what we do! (Thanks to Rick Russell for the photo!)
Membership event: Join us for apple cider and donuts! If you are a member, or if you are interested in becoming a member, of the Ottauquechee Health Foundation, come chat with us on Tuesday, October 10th from 4-6pm. We will be on the OHF lawn at 30 Pleasant Street if the weather cooperates, or in our Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the Simmons Building (unfortunately, this is not handicap accessible) if the weather does not cooperate. This is a great way to learn more about the organization, discuss any health-related concerns in our area, connect with OHF staff and Trustees, or meet other members. Bring a friend!
Town Appropriations: Every year, we receive a town appropriation from 8 of our 9 towns. For most towns, we need to collect signatures to petition to be on the ballot. We need your help! If you haven’t already, please come to our office and sign your name if you live one of the following towns: Woodstock, Hartland, Reading, Bridgewater, or Barnard.
Granting Update: In 2022, OHF provided 261 Good Neighbor and Homecare Grants. To-date in 2023, OHF has approved 236 grants!
OHF’s Role in the Flood Flood Relief Grants: OHF has approved 35 flood-related grants relating to environmental health, food insecurity, housing, and medical products and services. Wal-Mart in West Lebanon generously donated 4 dehumidifiers that we distributed to impacted households. Our Board of Trustees voted on adopting a Disaster Relief Fund so we are prepared for any future events.
Immediate Response: Shared information across social media channels from trusted town sources; offered food and water to individuals in need, a place to come rest in the AC and charge electronics, and a place for displaced individuals to shower (before Woodstock lost water!)
In the Community: We aided in resource coordination; received cleaning supplies, toilet paper, fans, etc from working with Woodstock Trustees and brought supplies to community members impacted by the flood; and acted as advocates for individuals and families impacted by the flood.
We are thankful for our partnerships: Sustainable Woodstock, The HUB, Ottauquechee Pharmacy, Woodstock Trustees, Plymouth Memory Tree, The Shire, Sleep Woodstock, and more!
A Very Special Thank You to Susan Mordecai! Susan took this photo of a heart-shaped rock that was deposited onto her driveway during the flood. She made beautiful cards and sold them. We were one of the beneficiaries to receive the proceeds. Thanks, Susan!
Some of your neighbors are still dealing with the impacts of the flood. How can you help? Please consider a donation! We are still receiving flood-related grant requests.
Thompson Senior Center Age Well Education Series
Age Well Education Series Know your Options for End of Life
These programs are brought to you in partnership with Norman Williams Public Library and Ottauquechee Health Foundation
These programs are free and open to the public. Register by calling the Thompson Senior Center at 802-457-3277 or mheavisides@thompsonseniorcenter.org
Introduction to Death Journaling: Planning, Preparing & Processing Thursday, September. 28, 5:30 pm at Norman Williams Public Library Presented by Community Doula, Francesca Lynn Arnoldy
Join us for an introduction to “Death Journaling,” the inspiration behind her new book, The Death Doula’s Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared. During this workshop, participants will feel gently invited to reflect back, turn inward, and plan ahead with intention and insight, focusing on introspection as well as extending care to others. Topics include but are not limited to: the practice of Death Journaling planning, preparing, & processing storying the past exploring beliefs and values tools for times of stress and suffering
Your Options, Your Autonomy End-of-Life Options including Medical Aid in Dying under Vermont’s Act 39 Friday, October 6,10:30-11:45am Virtual Program at The Thompson Presented by Audrey Winograd, JD, MSW, Program Manager, Patient Choices Vermont, Medical Social Worker and Psychotherapist
This is an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and share stories. People often discuss their experiences with the dying process of loved ones and express their desires for what they would or would not like when they consider their end-of-life choices. Topics will include: medical aid in dying who qualifies and how it works the role of hospice and palliative care Audrey will discuss how to talk with your doctor and recent legislative updates to Act 39.
Thank You “ I wanted to extend my heartfelt gratitude once again for the dehumidifier. Your kindness and support mean so much to us, and we can’t thank you enough for all your help!”
Flood Grant Recipient Change Lives With Your Donation to OHF
We are still receiving grant requests for help post-flooding. Can you join us in helping your neighbors?
The Ottauquechee Health Foundation assists hundreds of community members in overcoming the financial stress that health and wellness challenges impose on our neighbors every day and during natural disasters.
The Ottauquechee Health Foundation continues to be there for our communities, one grant, one neighbor, one friend, and one need at a time. We need your help, one donation at a time, to ensure that we are adequately funded to continue meeting the needs of the people we serve.
Your donations don’t just help; they change lives. DONATE
The Ottauquechee Health Foundation improves the health and well-being of people in need who live in the towns we serve. We do this through financial assistance, community partnerships, education opportunities, and support of wellness initiatives.
Our service towns include Barnard, Bridgewater, Hartland, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Quechee, Reading, and Woodstock.
Reprinted with permission from The Vermont Standard
10/30/23
The weather has flipped again! Indian summer, as it used to be called, paid us a lovely visit at the end of last week. Flowers thought over for the season started to bloom again and the warm breeze lightened my heart. Of course, it was a brief reprieve and the weekend brought cold and damp weather, so I hope that everyone enjoyed those wonderful warm days.
I often hear creatures meandering up or down my driveway, alerted by my driveway alarm. The trees block my view, although droppings in my dooryard often provide a clue. The other evening, I flipped on the light and noticed a healthy looking fox that paused at the edge of my driveway to stare at me as I was staring at him/her! It felt like a connection was made before we each continued with our own agendas. What a wonderful place to live!
I see that the Hagge family is still excelling with biking. Schuyler is on the team at WUHS and mom, Sarah is coaching. It seems that all of the family shares a love for the sport. I would love to know more about our students, so please send me information to share.
I understand that the program regarding CCC camps sponsored by the Plymouth Historical Society on Sunday was very well attended. I am told that Marty Podskoch presented considerable historical information in a delightful way. I am so sorry to have missed it. Folks from neighboring towns attended and a number of out-of-town visitors, as well. Congratulations to Bob Lambert who won the trivia contest with his amazing knowledge!
There will not be a Select Board meeting on 10/30/23.
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